Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-05-25
To-NIGHrs MEETING,

A meeting is called by many citi-
zens to be held tonight to consider the
desirability of organizing what, for want
of a better term, we may call city i'm
provement association. That title really
includes everything progressive, trade ex
pansion, manufacturing enlargement, street
and architectural improvement, new pop
ulation, settlement of outside lands, de-
velopment of suburban Sacramento, etc.
The meeting, which will hardly prove
inviting to obstructionists, is the legiti-
mate outcome of the almost unanimous
sentiment, that local pride needs stimula-
ton that new era of advancement is at
hand; that it must be seized upon now
that petty jealousies and old fogyism and
the mark-time" sentiment must go to the
wall, and sink out of sight in the presence
of great possibilities for the city and its en-
virons that quite as much can be done to
enhance present prosperity, beautify the
city and augment its desirableness as a
place of residence, by union of effort as by
union of capital; by answering and
courageous assault upon old-time supersti-
tions and ruts and grooves and untidiness
and much talk and little action and mere
content, as by the expenditure of much
money. But both will be, and should be,
called into activity.
There should be no misconception
about the new movement. 1t ought to
lead no one to expect great results to-day
or tomorrow or next day. Such vista
tions as Sacramento is to have do not come
suddenly, are not dragged in neck and
crop, nor driven by whips and spurs, nor
lured on by words and promises.
Any organization effected now must be
to prepare the way with one hand. while
1t invites new elements with the other
Los Angeles experience tells US we must
make ready first. If We expect new corners
to do the work we will be grievously dis
appointed. This task and duty of prepa-
ration means some self-sacrifce, some con-
cessions, much forbearance, more public
spirit, unlimited staying quality and
willingness to venture something to gain
much.
In few months we will find the tide
already setting in to be growing stronger
and rising higher, and Sacramento must
be prepared for it. If she wants colonies
in her suburbs, the lands must be pledged
and the plats made ready; if she desires
greater population within the city limits,
she must invite it by her evidences of good
taste, cleanliness and thrift. Her present
and increasing prosperity should not con-
tent her people; they must feel that swell
enough is not enough.
To local Improvement there will be en-
countered opposition from absentee land
lords, and those who are content with pres
ent appearances, familiarity with which has
blinded them to the effect of unsightly
architecture upon the stranger. But by
persistently cultivating the spirit of i'm
provement; by examples, however humble
ut first; by determination to stick to -
the work; by resolution to proselyte day
in and day out and overcome by persistent
persuasion and timely encouragement, and
50 far as is possible, by local legislation, a
transformation can be worked here within
the next two years that will, to use a IA
miliar phrase, astonish the natives"
We are confident that it will be done
Had the RECoRD-U MON entertained any
other belief, it would never have advo-
Gated, as it has done, the furtherance Of
the present movement. Other local efforts
to organize Improvement associations have
been made, and have had partial success
or have wholly failed, and this fact dis
.courages some. But the time was not ripe
for them, as now; the sentiment Of
progress had not then attained sufficient
strength; public conviction had not then
fastened upon Us that the reforms can be
effected.
a people who have passed triumphantly
through the trials visited upon Sacramento;
who have stood up" under such weighty
burdens as have been put upon them; who
have fought and conquered the elements
and risen superior to all manner of mis-
fortune and opposition; when riding upon
the tide of prosperity, and in the face OF
augmenting trade, expanding commerce
and rising values, will not fail to realize
the full possibilities the future has in store
for them.
All that is needed is persistent @pusl,, >
determination not to be put aside, resolu-
ton to surmeunt all obstacles, tie prove
indifferent to frifes, Superior to all opposi-
ton and worthy of success, and it viii be
attained, and speedily. Whoever engages
in the work in This spirit nov, viii have
reason to be proud that he was one of the
ainits IN the present movement.